Shelley Lothian, 45, of Claremont, is the resident director of Dear Evan Hansen, at the Artscape Theatre next month.
Billed as a musical drama focusing on themes of acceptance, mental health, and the longing for connection as characters navigate the digital world with its isolation and our need for human connection, it stars Fleur du Cap Theatre Award winner Stuart Brown, of Hout Bay, in the title role. Greg Karvellas directs and Kurt Haupt is the musical director.
As resident director, Ms Lothian says she is tasked with “looking after the everyday running of the show once we start performances”.
She will also be an understudy for the characters of Cynthia and Heidi.
Ms Lothian says they have been rehearsing for three weeks with another three weeks to rehearse before the production opens.
“I am incredibly proud to be a part of this wonderful team. South Africa has the most incredible talent, and it’s amazing that it is being showcased in this special show.”
Ms Lothian has 25 years of experience in theatre as an actress, director and choreographer. She has been either a cast member, resident director or both on several productions at the Fugard Theatre, including Cabaret (2015), West Side Story (2016) and Kinky Boots (2019).
Dear Evan Hansen is at Artscape Theatre from Wednesday February 12 until Sunday March 9. Visit t www.showtime.co.za or hownowbrowncow.co.za for tickets, which range from R150 to R500. Visit www.artscape.co.za for more information.
